Newsroom

Insights

Vancouver, B.C. – The Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is pleased to announce its 2017 Annual Convention to be held April 5th to 7th. For the first time, the event will be held in Vancouver at the beautiful wood-panelled Convention Centre West and will host industry leaders, service providers, customers, community leaders, First Nations and government officials.

“This year’s convention comes at a critical time for our industry,” said Susan Yurkovich, COFI President and CEO. “Bringing together key decision makers from industry and governments provides an important forum to share ideas and engage in frank discussions about how we can address both the challenges and opportunities that our sector is facing right now.”

The 2017 convention will include presentations and conversations on the economic context, operating environment, shifting profile of international markets, new product opportunities, First Nations partnerships and community relationships, innovation, and the policy environment going forward.

The developing program of presenters currently includes:

  • Opening Address from Hon. Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
  • Global Economics and Market Outlook with Jock Finlayson, Executive Vice-President and Chief Policy Officer, BC Business Council.
  • International Wood Markets Review with Paul Jannke, Principal, Forest Economic Advisors (U.S.); Russ Taylor, President, Wood Markets (Russia); and Eric Wong, Managing Director, Canada Wood Beijing Office (China).
  • Increments of Change: From early tall wood buildings to a global movement presented by Michael Green, Principal of MGA and renowned architect focused on building healthier communities through architecture, interiors, landscape and urban design.
  • CEO Panel with Nick Arkle, Co-CEO, Gorman Group; Duncan Davies, President & CEO, Interfor; Don Kayne, President & CEO, Canfor; Ted Seraphim, President & CEO, West Fraser.
  • Community Leaders Breakfast featuring Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead, Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall and Salmon Arm Mayor Nancy Cooper.
  • Best Practices in Partnering with First Nations: In partnership with Nation2Nation, this panel features Derek Orr, Chief, McLeod Lake Indian Band; Williams Lake Indian Band Councillor Willie Sellars; and Karen Brandt, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Interfor.
  • Leading Edge: Innovating for the Future: Meet three founders/CEOs of technology companies who are applying leading edge technology in the forest industry. The panel includes Ryan Peterson, CEO, Finger Food Studios; Rory Armes, Founder and CEO of Cumul8; and Mike Wilcox, Co-Founder and COO of Spire Aerobotics.

The Convention begins with a welcome reception on April 5th and runs through to Friday, April 7th. The early-bird registration deadline is fast approaching. Delegates who register by March 3 can save $100 of the cost of admission.

Visit the convention website at www.cofi.org for up-to-date program, speaker information and registration.

Media contact:
Mina Laudan
778.990.0701

MEET OUR MEMBERS
BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)

TEL: 604-684-0211
EMAIL: info@cofi.org